Starlight Express has the purpose of entertaining an audience, making them walk out of the theatre, humming tunes. That's probably the reason why so many people dislike it. Personally I like it. It is not very good, but it is entertaining! Sometimes I want more, and sometimes I can't cope with emotional musicals, then it's time for Starlight Express, Mamma Mia!, etc.

Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:37 am

Belle

Broadway Legend

Joined: Wed Apr 17, 2002 3:24 pmPosts: 723Location: London, UK

There have been some very bad productions of the show, particularly in the US, loads of "WTF???" changes made the the basic material. See one of these productions, on a night where the cast might not be the most energetic and committed, and it's not a good show. If you're already biased against the show, then all you see is roller skating dancers pretending to be trains - and in some productions, the plot is rendered redundant because they don't bother telling the story!

But see a good production, where there's some effort towards theatre as well as the spectacle, with a good cast (and they usually are superb) and it's the most amazing, fantastical musical!

As for worst ever - I can think of a lot that are far worse! But if you want something high profile and very successful to hate, it's gonna be Starlight or Cats. However if you have imagination and an open mind, those two can be the best shows in the world.

i heard this is the worst musical ever ... i know it's based on opinion, but there's alot of common opinion.

That would be simple hyperbole. Despite its relatively lackluster performance in the US, it was very popular in Britain and it's still playing in Germany. It's a light, entertaining, "bubble gum" sort of musical. A superficial moral play with lots of action, music, and glitz. A "worst musical" could not have that sort of longevity.

I do not see how it is 'shallow.' There is a vast difference between being simple and fun and being bad. Bad is failing to captivate the audience, not leaving them wanting more. It is designed as a show that is fine for children, but all of the other parts to keep adults amused while going over the heads of those too young to get it. Not to mention some of the funnest, most upbeat music in theatre.